There was only one thing which Harry Vincent disliked; that was the continued presence of Steve Cronin. The gangster was usually stationed outside of the gambling den; hence Harry seldom came in contact with him.
He avoided Cronin as much as possible. They had met once before — it seemed a long time ago, now — and there was danger that Steve Cronin might recognize him.
Hence to Harry, Steve Cronin was more of a menace than were John Genara and Tony Anelmo.
The Homicide Twins had no knowledge of Harry’s identity. They simply regarded him as the inside man in Marmosa’s joint.
TONIGHT, while seated at the table on the balcony, Harry saw Steve Cronin enter. It was Cronin’s duty to occupy that table; so Harry calmly rose, and made his departure before the gunman arrived.
He went into the gambling room, where Genara and Anelmo were already present. There the bartender raised a beckoning finger.
“Letter for you, Harry,” he said. “Marmosa told me to give it to you.”
Harry received the envelope. He realized then that he had made a mistake. He had forgotten to leave a forwarding address at the Goliath Hotel.
The clerk knew he was employed at Marmosa’s Cafe. Hence the letter — simply an envelope which had been left at the desk — was here. Fortunately, it had not been opened.
Harry took it from the bartender and thrust it carelessly into his pocket.